Rear wheel drive A4?

[absolutegtr]

Well ever since I got my car I have always wished it was RWD. That was one of the main reasons why I wanted an e46: RWD.

Well just yesterday me and a bunch of friends where changing the clutch on one of my friends Mustang GT and since I will be needing to change my clutch soon as well, I decided to look up the write up on A4mods.com; so it got me thinking...

Do you think in order to make the car "solely" RWD, could you just disconnect the two front drive-shafts?

Not like I plan on doing this, but just curious if this could actually work? I am sure the traction control system would go crazy, but if you turned it off, I really cant see why it would not work.

Just asking for heck of a discussion

[old guy]

You will go absolutely nowhere.

[47Ronin]

yeah you can disconnect the two - but your car wont drive anymore lol wikipedia how the whole thing works :D

[doublezero30]

can i just ask why in the world you would want RWD over AWD? AWD is the balls. especially in the winter. well, assuming you car is AWD not FWD...

[absolutegtr]

can i just ask why in the world you would want RWD over AWD? AWD is the balls. especially in the winter. well, assuming you car is AWD not FWD...

Sad thing is I live in the south east...so no snow .... Its time like these that i wished I live up north again.

Like I said, i dont plan on doing this, but was just wondering if it was possible.

[Chekm8]

change the diff. stasis has one makes the quattro somewhat rwd...best u can do

[dummptyhummpty]

change the diff. stasis has one makes the quattro somewhat rwd...best u can do

Yeah, I think 3.0 King has that ... isn't it like 20/80 or something like that?

[GTMRS4]

It doesn't make it rear wheel drive. It uses washers that shift as you enter the turn making it respond like its FWD and exit a turn as if it were RWD. Otherwise the car is AWD.

[pizdetsauduxa]

i would never. frontrak is bad enuff

[Wizard-of-OD]

Weld up the centre differential and remove the front drive shafts.Has been done by newt on motorgeek.

[absolutegtr]

Well I know about the whole statis diff upgrade. Definelty appealing, but really cant justify $550, unless I was to drive an A4 that had the upgrade.

Anyways, what i want to know now, I guess, is why couldnt you just get rid of the front driveshaft and drive like that? Would the car literally not move? How would the car respond?

[fbottone]

i think you need a little bit of friction on the front and rear driveshaft for the center to lock up at all, otherwise it will just send all the power to the front since there is 0 resistance

[CyberPMG]

AWD isn't just for snow. Take a look at the success of Audi in world rallys. AWD rules for all conditions.

[Capt. Obvious]

You can weld the center differential (and some other stuff too). I've always thought it would be fun to have a RWD Audi too. I'd never actually do it, but it'd be fun!

I don't think those puny little axles in the back could handle it though. At a minimum you'd probably want RS4 rear axles I'd imagine.

[47Ronin]

umm isn't the quattro body designed with the weight split in amangeable way? I think if you made a quattro car rwd the axles would break // car wouldn't be safe

[absolutegtr]

Well let me ask you this:

If Audi had offered the option of FWD, RWD or quattro, which would you go with?

Since I honestly, NEVER use the capabilities of the quattro system (except for a nice launch) , I would go with RWD without even giving quattro a second...

[Not dissing up quattro at all, but a RWD car is more fun]

[Capt. Obvious]

^^^ I agree. If RWD were an option, I wouldn't have an AWD model. I only actually "use" the AWD a few times a year.

[akaEsCo01]

Quattro for me

[kepone]

AWD isn't just for snow. Take a look at the success of Audi in world rallys. AWD rules for all conditions.

You could not be more incorrect..

AWD is heavier, has more drivetrain loss, and less top end power.. Also, it does not have the chassis balance of an even somewhat decently set up RWD car, like the bmw 3 series..

AWD is great for launches and low traction situations.. other than that, it usually will not show higher performance numbers on the slalom or skidpad..

RWD will always be the best for handling and chassis control...

I too would choose RWD without giving fwd or awd a second thought if it was available..

[Allwheel Driver]

I use the AWD everytime I give it throttle coming out of a turn.
If you have a quattro, you do also.

It doesn't just work when it is slippery out, it contributes to the handling dynamics in all conditions including dry roads.

RWD is fun, I had 2 BMWs in the past, but it takes a little more skill to drive the car at the limit. (which you usually never reach on public roads)
AWD makes it very easy to drive the car near it's limits and makes you feel like you're a better driver. It's also safer for the average driver since you won't break the rear away powering out of a turn when you hit a slippery patch.

[absolutegtr]

It's also safer for the average driver since you won't break the rear away powering out of a turn when you hit a slippery patch.

LMAO, but that is exactly what I want to do, lol,

As for what kepone said " AWD is great for launches and low traction situations.. other than that, it usually will not show higher performance numbers on the slalom or skidpad..

RWD will always be the best for handling and chassis control..."

I would have to disagree. From what I have learned, was that an AWD vehicle will ALWAYS out perform that of a RWD one. For example: at autocrosses and those events...it is always the AWD vehicles (audi's, evos, volvos) that lap faster than the RWD cars (mustangs, camaros, etc).

As safe as quattro is and how great it makes the car, I still think Audi should offer RWD the standard platform and AWD as an option (screw FWD - I cant believe they even offer that).

Audi should offer AWD and RWD, or at the very least make Audi solely an AWD company. But I have the feeling that if they offered RWD in their cars that they would not sell anywhere near as many quattro units....true or not?

[doublezero30]

I have the feeling that if they offered RWD in their cars that they would not sell anywhere near as many quattro units....true or not?

not true. maybe in terms of people on this board it may be true (ide still stick to AWD...snow's a bitch.). but think of everyone who buys an awd audi...they buy it because they want a luxury car that is safe and controlable. these are average people that arnt into upgrading their cars at all. they (typically) dont know how to control a car very well when it slides out on them in the snow/rain. thats where the quattro comes in and makes them feel safer. but dont think im saying RWD wouldnt sell, i think it would. i just dont see the AWD sales going down all that much.

[kepone]

LMAO, but that is exactly what I want to do, lol,

As for what kepone said " AWD is great for launches and low traction situations.. other than that, it usually will not show higher performance numbers on the slalom or skidpad..

RWD will always be the best for handling and chassis control..."

I would have to disagree. From what I have learned, was that an AWD vehicle will ALWAYS out perform that of a RWD one. For example: at autocrosses and those events...it is always the AWD vehicles (audi's, evos, volvos) that lap faster than the RWD cars (mustangs, camaros, etc).

As safe as quattro is and how great it makes the car, I still think Audi should offer RWD the standard platform and AWD as an option (screw FWD - I cant believe they even offer that).

Audi should offer AWD and RWD, or at the very least make Audi solely an AWD company. But I have the feeling that if they offered RWD in their cars that they would not sell anywhere near as many quattro units....true or not?

That's the opposite of what i've seen out at the auto-x.. i have not seen any awd car short of a 997 turbo that beats the times put down by the s2000 and rx7 drivers.. the Elise also blows just about everything away..

The top times are always set by RWD guys, S2000's, Z06's, rx7's and rx8's, miatas, Elise/Exiges, and Caterham/Lotus 7's..

Let's not forget that outside of rally, all of the fastest racecars are RWD.. F1, nascar, indy, cart, anything in the Le Mans series, anything in FIA Gt..and again, AWD excels in the low traction races- Rally, and Euro Touring cars ( Super Touring, DTM, both of which have rain in 2 out of 3 races , and Audi doesn't even dominate anymore.. Mercedes and BMW have been wiping the floor with everyone)

When it comes down to it, the lighter and more balanced car always sets the faster laptime..that is almost always RWD.. AWD cars tend to also be extremely understeery by nature, and have an extreme reluctance to kick the tail out.. neither is good for setting fast laptimes..

Oh, one more thing.. with the advancements in Traction Control, Yaw Control, and Stability Control.. You can't say that RWD is bad in low traction situations anymore....

[kepone]

..

[Capt. Obvious]

I agree with doublezero. If RWD were an option, you would maybe see a small dip in sales of Quattro cars and that would mostly be to the enthusiast market which is barely a blip on Audi's radar. The VAST majority of Audi buyers want their car because it is safe, luxurious and has AWD.

[absolutegtr]

Let's not forget that outside of rally, all of the fastest racecars are RWD.. F1, nascar, indy, cart, anything in the Le Mans series, anything in FIA Gt..and again, AWD excels in the low traction races- Rally, and Euro Touring cars ( Super Touring, DTM, both of which have rain in 2 out of 3 races , and Audi doesn't even dominate anymore.. Mercedes and BMW have been wiping the floor with everyone)

LOL, An F1 car and an Audi are definetly on different ends of the spectrum. Plus you dont really want AWD going 200+ mph and you are only going in a circle, lol.

Also you where talking about BMW's, Elise', s2000's beating AWD's on the track, well from what I have seen it has been on those autocross tracks that are more close-knit (with less straight-a-ways and more turns).

[F16HTON]

FWIW Audi DTM cars are RWD...

Audi leads the DTM series in manufactuer points...Mattias Ekstrom leads in driver points.

With seven of ten rounds contested, the 2004 DTM Champion, Mattias Ekström, holds the lead in the 2007 Drivers’ Championship. Following his win in the season opener, the Swede delivered in consistent style and secured four consecutive podium finishes, in the latest four rounds. In the Q&A with www.dtm.com, the Audi works driver looks back on the season so far and talks about the three rounds still to be contested.

[A4TL]

dude no diff will make your car into an E46. just get a 330ci coupe or m3. seriously if you want one get one. audi's aren't bmw's and they will never be like one.

the e46 is a cockpit coupe rwd with a brilliant I6 and real sport seats.

audi a4 is a passenger cockpit (like the E92 sedans) with AWD and crappy (non-sport bmw) seats.well not quite that crappy but apples and oranges.

e46's dont peel:)

[bojacks]

Let's not forget that outside of rally, all of the fastest racecars are RWD.. F1, nascar, indy, cart, anything in the Le Mans series, anything in FIA Gt..and again, AWD excels in the low traction races- Rally, and Euro Touring cars ( Super Touring, DTM, both of which have rain in 2 out of 3 races , and Audi doesn't even dominate anymore.. Mercedes and BMW have been wiping the floor with everyone)

Ever thought it might be against the rules for cars to have AWD in these racing organizations? I personally don't know if they are or not, but it could be the reason.

[absolutegtr]

dude no diff will make your car into an E46. just get a 330ci coupe or m3. seriously if you want one get one. audi's aren't bmw's and they will never be like one.

the e46 is a cockpit coupe rwd with a brilliant I6 and real sport seats.

audi a4 is a passenger cockpit (like the E92 sedans) with AWD and crappy (non-sport bmw) seats.well not quite that crappy but apples and oranges.

e46's dont peel:)

You obviously misunderstood. I LOVE my a4 for what its worth.A car like you mentioned above (esp M3 ) I'll wait till I am a bit older. Because I am 19 right now, and insurance on any 2 door is expensive, let aone it being a BMW.

That is one of the main reason I bought, my audi, insurance and the fact that it is EYE CANDY!

[zeven13]

As a current owner of both an e46 and an A4, I'd have to agree with A4TL.

The BMW is clearly made for the racetrack more than the Audi. However, I don't think it is a worthwhile comparison. Each mark has its own positives and negatives. An AWD will definitely outperform a RWD in poor road conditions, but the opposite is true in dry conditions.

If you want RWD, get a BMW. If you want AWD, stick with the Audi quattro (the BMW xi isn't as good IMO). The cost to purchase and maintain the two is equal.



Think about it...
If you go to Germany the streets are littered with A4 TDI's, BMW 325's, and MB 320's (and those damn smart cars) like the US has Taurus, Impala, and Camry's.

[mxrz]

AWD cars tend to also be extremely understeery by nature, and have an extreme reluctance to kick the tail out.

You don't know much about AWD sports cars, do you...

[absolutegtr]

You don't know much about AWD sports cars, do you...

+!, I agree with you.

The reason our A4 cant kick the back end out, is MAINLY because they lack the power to do so. But look at that fifth gear episode between the RS4 and e46 M3 - Drift challenge. They get the rs4 to drift at incredible angles versus the m3 (which isnt too shaby to begin with).

Look at the Porsche AWD cars....no problem there.

I have seen a local b5 s4 break the back-end loose. And he going straight as well.

[dirtybrd]

Your right it would be fun, and just for having fun. With a 60F/40R weight distribution, and short wheelbase, the thing would fry the back tires at will.

[47Ronin]

Can you hvae a RWD car that's AWD when need be? That'd be balling - like axle linkages that separate hahah (kinda like a trasnformation // transformer)

[mike-2ptzero]

Can you hvae a RWD car that's AWD when need be? That'd be balling - like axle linkages that separate hahah (kinda like a trasnformation // transformer)

That would be a center diff that can be locked/unlocked manual by a switch, IIRC thats how the older quattro cars work.

[47Ronin]

Yeah that'd be balling - and if it can shift the weight ratio that'd be hawt too - u'd have variable suspension height and weight distribution and rwd vs quattro on command

i'd buy that car in a heart beat

[kepone]

+!, I agree with you.

The reason our A4 cant kick the back end out, is MAINLY because they lack the power to do so. But look at that fifth gear episode between the RS4 and e46 M3 - Drift challenge. They get the rs4 to drift at incredible angles versus the m3 (which isnt too shaby to begin with).

Look at the Porsche AWD cars....no problem there.

I have seen a local b5 s4 break the back-end loose. And he going straight as well.

On the contrary, i know quite a bit about all types of cars, and have owned 2 awd cars in the past..

The RS4 quattro system can divert up to 85% of torque to the rear wheels, and is also a rear biased AWD system- there are not many of those around, Skylines, the r8, lambos.. That 5th gear video was also on a damp/wet track, and the m3 clearly drifted easier and held a better line doing it- the RS4 had an insane drift angle, almost fully sideways- but even Tiff admits in that video that the m3 is by far the most controllable car while the rs4 is much easier to drive..

I'm not against AWD or Quattro, it's definitely a great system, but it's not an opinion that RWD is the best, it's a fact..Front engine, Rear transaxle, RWD, is the best possible configuration for handling.. again, not an opinion- it is a fact.. Nothing that adds weight and drivetrain loss is going to get you consistently faster laptimes..AWD is simply easier to drive, and it is the ONLY solution for low traction racing..

[Nammo]

+!, I agree with you.

The reason our A4 cant kick the back end out, is MAINLY because they lack the power to do so. But look at that fifth gear episode between the RS4 and e46 M3 - Drift challenge. They get the rs4 to drift at incredible angles versus the m3 (which isnt too shaby to begin with).

Look at the Porsche AWD cars....no problem there.

I have seen a local b5 s4 break the back-end loose. And he going straight as well.

Actually, the stock A4 suspension is what's mostly keeping the car from achieving a quick oversteer condition and thus rotating the car to bring the back-end out. More power will make it easier, but with awd 50/50 power split, it just means the car will straighten out faster - thus what you see when Tiff is handling the RS4.

[F16HTON]

+!, I agree with you.

The reason our A4 cant kick the back end out, is MAINLY because they lack the power to do so. But look at that fifth gear episode between the RS4 and e46 M3 - Drift challenge. They get the rs4 to drift at incredible angles versus the m3 (which isnt too shaby to begin with).

Look at the Porsche AWD cars....no problem there.

I have seen a local b5 s4 break the back-end loose. And he going straight as well.

I have no issues whatsoever getting the backend out with my car. http://youtube.com/watch?v=_gIGFY7KgO0